In addition to the suicide bombing, kidnappings, and beheadings the Islamic extremist organisation is known for, they have added a new pitch to their repetoire — handing out Teletubbies.

The Post report details how Al Qaeda fighters in Syria recently handed out toys to children in the war torn city of Aleppo. It comes as an effort to “win hearts and minds,” ironically the slogan the U.S. military used amidst counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The gift-giving suggests that the extremists have learned some lessons from Iraq, where they alienated local populations with their harsh tactics,” writes Sly.

Their soft-side approach in Syria mimics that of a letter written by the head of Al Qaeda in the Arabic Peninsula in 2012, Nasser al-Wahishi. The letter — sent to Qaeda’s leaders and a copy of which Associated Press reporters found in Mali — encouraged water works and electricity projects, rather than Islamic summary maimings.

It even gave advice on how to best conduct trash pick-ups.

“Try to win them over through the conveniences of life, it will make them sympathize with us and make them feel that their fate is tied to ours,” wrote Wahishi.